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Title: Christianity Is Plummeting In America, While The Number Of Non-Believers Is Skyrocketing
Source:
Associated Press
URL Source: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2009 ... ler-christians-americans-gone/
Published: Sep 29, 2009
Author: Bruce Feiler
Post Date: 2009-09-29 15:56:27 by Brian S
Keywords: None
Views: 1768
Comments: 102
A shocking new study of Americans’ religious beliefs shows the beginnings of a major realignment in Americans’ relationship with God. The American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) reveals that Protestants now represent half of all Americans, down almost 20 percent in the last twenty years. In the coming months, America will become a minority Protestant nation for the first time since the pilgrims. The number of people who claim no religious affiliation, meanwhile, has doubled since 1990 to fifteen percent, its highest point in history. Non-believers now represent the third-highest group of Americans, after Catholics and Baptists. Other headlines: 1) The number of Christians has declined 12% since 1990, and is now 76%, the lowest percentage in American history. 2) The growth of non-believers has come largely from men. Twenty percent of men express no religious affiliation; 12% of women. 3) Young people are fleeing faith. Nearly a quarter of Americans in their 20’s profess no organized religion. 4) But these non-believers are not particularly atheist. That number hasn’t budged and stands at less than 1 percent. (Agnostics are similarly less than 1 percent.) Instead, these individuals have a belief in God but no interest in organized religion, or they believe in a personal God but not in a formal faith tradition. The implications for American society are profound. Americans’ relationship with God, which drove many of the country’s great transformations from the pilgrims to the founding fathers, the Civil War to the civil rights movement, is still intact. Eighty-two percent of Americans believe in God or a higher power. But at the same time, the study offers yet another wake-up call for religious institutions. First, catering to older believers is a recipe for failure; younger Americans are tuning out. Second, Americans are interested in God, but they don’t think existing institutions are helping them draw closer to God. Finally, Americans’ interest in religion has not always been stable. It dipped following the Revolution and again following Civil War. In both cases it rebounded because religious institutions adapted and found new ways of relating to everyday Americans. Today, the rise of disaffection is so powerful that different denominations needs to band together to find a shared language of God that can move beyond the fading divisions of the past and begin moving toward a partnership of different-but-equal traditions. Or risk becoming Europe, where religion is fast becoming an afterthought.
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#62. To: richard9151 (#61)
Buddhism better integrates a person's mind and body (which is why there is yoga.) And it is ar more self empowering then the sort of religious fare you are in to. It involves aspiring to a higher level of consciousness. Which of course is frightening to the leaders of any Christian or Muslim sect, as conformity and control is the central notion of a faith like yours'. As for the metaphorical imagery you criticize, do I really need to dig out some of the crazy sounding examples of Bible blather to show you that you are a hypocrite to criticize that faith by denigrating story elements of Buddhist teachings? You know, faith doesn't just have to be into the notion that there is some sort of head honcho god with a nail him up son at his side. It can also involve aspirations of the elevation of one's soul and spirit to a higher level of being. I am not Buddhist, but I like thee teachings and focus, a heck of allot more then that which are the central notions and teachings of a faith like you are into.
Mike, since you have absolutely no clue as to what the teachings of my faith is, your comments are just plain silly. The only things you have to go by is what you have heard from the so-called mainstream of Christendom, nearly all of which is in error. Which explains why I quit that form of Christianity many, many years ago, and was fortunate enough to finally find people who could teach me how to understand the Bible -- for the first time in my life. You will never do that, so you will live in blindness. Which is a proper perspective from which to appreciate Buddism.
1 John 4;8 He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. : Matthew 22:39 ...‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”
catholic.com has some interesting stuff. If this is accurate the Witnesses believe that Jesus is not divine. There is more, but any real Christian would recoil in horror at that alone.
COMRADE! Why are you not showing your Party affiliation and showing proper respect for Dear Leader? Put your Barackstika armband on RIGHT NOW!
I know that you major fail to understand Buddhism so bad you couldn't even spell it right. Never mind understanding it seeks a level of enlightenment great enough to end the suffering of people by transcending the cycle of suffering and re-incarnation. I mean, you thinly condemn a faith with no understanding, which is a syndrome of a dangerously high level of narrow mindedness. As for your beliefs, I lurked your threads and read many of your posts and have a good idea of how your sect is different then most Christianity. But you are narrow minded, so don't welcome hearing this, which is not a surprise.
And you will never know, because you only listen to those who have something to gain from their lies. After all, it is much better to listen to men than to Almighty God.
1 John 4;8 He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. : Matthew 22:39 ...‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”
I always believed that if God would throw away good people, just for not believing in Jesus, then he's not much of a loving God is he? I've debated religion with everyone at some point, and I've come to the conclusion that organized religions across the boards are an absolute scam, and a control mechanism. I'll wait and see what happens, and should God show up to welcome me, Great. If not, well then I guess I won't have anything to disappoint me now will I?
Better to be hated for what you are, than loved for what you are not.
LOL! That is funny! As if there is something that I could not understand if I decided to pursue it. Quite frankly, I do not care to understand it, and could care less if I spell it correctly or not. In the beginning, it was not a religion, and the Budda (Siddhartha Gautama) never claimed it as such. It was only later, as men found a way to profit from it, that it became a 'religion.' Buddhism is a major religion in Asia. It is primarily a belief in a method of achieving liberation from suffering. This method was formulated around 600 BC by a man referred to as the Buddha. As such, it has no solution to the problems on this earth, just as Christendom does not. It is also a new comer to the stage of religion on earth. Christendom, of course, being still newer, from around the year 350 C.E. Actually, those who follow Buddhism are no different from those who follow the Veda (Hinduism). The original Veda was written as a search for God; now, it is considered to be from some god. Shows how little people actually understand.
1 John 4;8 He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. : Matthew 22:39 ...‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”
Oh so true. I learned long ago, from a relative who was a habitual liar that speaking the "truth" is much more simple than trying to lie thru life. This cousin of mine (deceased, contracted cancer in prison after killing someone in a car wreck while drunk) absolutely couldn't tell the simple truth about anything. I never said anything about it to him, but he had a lot of trouble trying to keep track of his constant lies. From the day he arrived in my town, I knew that I NEVER wanted to be like him.
And who claims that He does throw away good people? Oh, right, those who claim to have a secret way of 'saving' you; just put your money in the plate, and we will clear a path to heaven for you. How silly that people believe such nonsense, instead of actually doing the work neccessary to understand. Ever heard of the resurrection? Of course not, cause just cause it is a major feature of the Bible, well, Christendom does not teach it, so must not exist, right? And it does not matter that there are 9 resurrections in the Bible to prove to all that it is true, but what the hey. The major lesson of the Bible, Tommy dear, is that ALL people who have lived since the time of Adam and Eve, will be resurrected from the common grave of mankind and afforded the opportunity to learn the Truth about Almighty God, BEFORE they are judged for their actions AFTER their resurrection. After all, as the Bible clearly teaches, those who have died have paid the price for their sins, and will be resurrected free of sin. Course, such Bible Truths sure poke a big hole in the ability of 'churches' to collect for salvation.
1 John 4;8 He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. : Matthew 22:39 ...‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”
Live for today. Don't rely on anything else after you're dead.
That's why I checked it against the Watchtower and found it credible. So, Jesus is just an Archangel per the Watchtower Society. Odd that.
COMRADE! Why are you not showing your Party affiliation and showing proper respect for Dear Leader? Put your Barackstika armband on RIGHT NOW!
Amen!
That verse got me through a very tough time in my life.
This is a good thing, imo. i agree--emphasis on individuals.
"This Act (the Federal Reserve Act, Dec. 23rd 1913) establishes the most gigantic trust on earth. When the President (Woodrow Wilson) signs the Bill, the invisible government of the Monetary Power will be legalised... The worst legislative crime of the ages is perpetrated by this banking and currency Bill."--Charles Lindbergh, Sr.
Dammit, you genuine believers make it *SO* hard to post my Zombie Jesus posters. (and there are a couple that crack me up...) It'd make me seem almost inconsiderate. :)
LOL!! You are funny. As I said, it is amazing when you listen only to those who gain from your foolishness. I have even posted in this thread about Jesus Christ, the only-begotton son of God, but of course, what the catholics write is so much more important..... like about the crusades (OHHH! Much like today!!) and the millions they killed over the Reformation not to mention their help in bringing Hitler to power and, of course, the many, many priests and their abuse of children, esp. young boys. Oh, by-the-way, here are two Bible quotes -- after you read them, fill me in once more about catholic theology; 1 Timothy 4:1 However, the inspired utterance says definitely that in later periods of time some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired utterances and teachings of demons, 2 by the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, marked in their conscience as with a branding iron; 3 forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be partaken of with thanksgiving by those who have faith and accurately know the truth. Did you get that? Teaching of demons -- teaching forbidding to marry. Clear on that, and how it relates to the abuse of children by men who have been forbidden to marry? What, specifically, does the Bible say about marriage? 1 Timothy 3:12 Let ministerial servants be husbands of one wife, presiding in a fine manner over children and their own households. 13 For the men who minister in a fine manner are acquiring for themselves a fine standing and great freeness of speech in the faith in connection with Christ Jesus. Please tell me something, how is it that men who have no knowledge of families can teach others how to manage families correctly.... or does this somehow have something to do with the rate of divorce in catholic marriages.... which is the same as or greater than the average divorce rates world wide? By-the-way, divorce rates amoung the Witnesses for Jehovah are less than 1%....... Oh, and one more Bible fact; Mattew 7:15 Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to YOU in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruits YOU will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? 17 Likewise every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit; 18 a good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, neither can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. 19 Every tree not producing fine fruit gets cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Really, then, by their fruits YOU will recognize those [men]. Ever heard of this particular Bible point? By their fruits you shall know them? What does that mean about the rest of their teachings? Now, want me to tell you what I have learned about how the Witnesses for Jehovah live according to what they learn from the Bible -- daily? Then, you want to continue this discussion?
1 John 4;8 He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. : Matthew 22:39 ...‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”
Yes, you are correct, EXCEPT, I live among and congregate with people who live by the Bible in their daily lives. I see the fruitage, and enjoy it, daily, in my associations with my brothers and sisters in the faith as preached by Jesus Christ. Perhaps you should listen to the facts instead of the lies of the world and look into it... if, indeed, you are truly interested in Bible Truths and people who accept them and live by them.
1 John 4;8 He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. : Matthew 22:39 ...‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”
How completely silly; so you are for grab whatever you can get for we party today and die tomorrow, and their is no reason for anyone to live a clean life. You have accurately stated what is wrong with the world today, so enjoy the filth that you willingly promote and live in.
1 John 4;8 He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. : Matthew 22:39 ...‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”
i agree--emphasis on individuals. How sad. You just described the Jehovah's Witnesses, but you have no clue.
1 John 4;8 He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. : Matthew 22:39 ...‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”
Tom, you should know better than that. The point is not the worship of Almighty God, it is the need for guidance to do away with the evil of men who have no desire to be guided to peace and love. Which is what created the original problem on earth, and in heaven. There is only one solution, and we have no control over it; simply control over ourselves and our acceptance, or rejection, of such guidance. As the Bible clearly points out. That solution, by-the-way, is very, very close.
1 John 4;8 He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. : Matthew 22:39 ...‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”
Oh, geez, richard, do you want to get into a discussion about Joseph Rutherford? I know many JW's. Many are kind and good people. However, one need only scratch the surface of Rutherford to question "the facts" and the "lies of the world" that you speak of. How can you people think that Rutherford was some sort of prophet? Have you forgotten his "fishing" expeditions to lure young girls to have sex? Rutherford has had a history of opposition for Bible scholars. Wasn't the Bible good enough in the first place? Why the need to make revisions?
LOL
You're arguing the Bible, not JW theology. Once you start getting into what the Watchtower Society says, and you will, then you'll start to see what I mean.
COMRADE! Why are you not showing your Party affiliation and showing proper respect for Dear Leader? Put your Barackstika armband on RIGHT NOW!
So rather than do your own research, you will depend upon lies dreamed up by those who hate the Truth, right? How can you people think that Rutherford was some sort of prophet? Rutherford is not and never has been considered a prophet. Never. Many Witnesses have no idea even as to who he was. I did not know anything about him until people started to throw him in my face. In fact, many of the things he talked about where just beginnings, and were changed as the knowledge and understanding of the Bible continued to grow amoung the Witnesses. Just as today, most have no idea who is president of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Have you forgotten his "fishing" expeditions to lure young girls to have sex? Says who? Where are the police reports on this? What I do know, despite all of the lies told about him, is that he devoted the entirety of his considerable fortune to the study of the Bible --- and their is one more thing I know about what he started; the fruitage of his work. I live among those who study the Bible daily, and live as best they can according to what is taught in the Bible. For one example, the divorce rate among Witnesses is less than one percent. For another example, many, many businesses look to hire Witnesses because of their known honesty and dilgence inperforming their work. THAT, is what I know about Rutherford; the fruitage of what he started. Show me someone who has done better over the last 150 years, and then talk more about how evil he was, and if you can not do so, then shut up about him, and study the facts instead of the lies. Wasn't the Bible good enough in the first place? Why the need to make revisions? What revisions? Please, inform me. As I have stated numerous times, I have 12 different translations of the Bible; I have compared them to the New World Translation of the Bible. Very, very few differences, but much, much clearer. Also, I posted all of the info about the book written by a NON-Witnesses, a professor of languages from Norhtern Arizona University, where he plainly states that the New World Translation of the Bible is the MOST ACCURATE TRANSLATION IN ENGLISH AVAILABLE TODAY. You can order a copy of his book and check it out for yourself, if you wish. I will take this a step further; 1 Timothy 7:15 Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to YOU in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruits YOU will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? 17 Likewise every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit; 18 a good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, neither can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. 19 Every tree not producing fine fruit gets cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Really, then, by their fruits YOU will recognize those [men]. Look carefully at the world around you. Very, very carefully. Look also very, very carefully at those nations dominated by what you consider to be Christian; Europe and the United States, and then tell me about their fruitage. Tell me, carefully, about homosexual marriages, about praticing homosexuals now preaching in nearly every so-called christian religion, about the abuse of young children by catholic priests -- and the rest of the problems within the cathoplic church -- go ahead, tell me all about their furitage. And I will put the fruitage of what Rutherford started up against any of them. Any day of the week. By their fruits YOU will recognize them. Pretty clear message to me.
1 John 4;8 He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. : Matthew 22:39 ...‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”
Hey Richard. Just so you understand, you're not talking to a 10 year old who hasn't lived. You know where the whole Christian Belief System Started??? Zoroastrianism. Exactly the same. Let me know when that sets in, and then we'll talk about my own death and resurrection.
Better to be hated for what you are, than loved for what you are not.
You are so foolish. There is no JW theology. There is only the Bible. Everything we do, which is why I am a Jehovah's Witnesses, is based ONLY on the Bible. There is no theology. We never base anything on just one verse, or, just one thought. Everything is backed up in the Bible. THAT... is why this is so; 1 Timothy 7:15 Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to YOU in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruits YOU will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? 17 Likewise every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit; 18 a good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, neither can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. 19 Every tree not producing fine fruit gets cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Really, then, by their fruits YOU will recognize those [men]. By their fruits YOU will recognize them. I will put the fruitage of the Jehovah's Witnesses up against anyone, anywhere, anytime. Why? Because they are the only people in the world who actually do live according to what they learn from the Bible. THAT IS WHY I AM WITH THEM. Now, here is another point that people like you miss; you do not join the Witnesses. Why? Because there is nothing to join. You become a Witness. That is all there is to it. Nobody checks on you; nobody does a roll call. Know what else? No man, anywhere, has a list of who is a Jehovah's Witness. And, we have no head here on this earth. Neat, huh?
1 John 4;8 He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. : Matthew 22:39 ...‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”
Exactly the same. Not hardly. And since you do not have a clue as to what the Bible really teaches, how would you know? This coming from someone who also had no clue, until I was taught how to correctly study the Bible... after reading it for 25 years or so.
1 John 4;8 He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. : Matthew 22:39 ...‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”
Wow, I guess my class in theology in college were a complete waste Richard. When your God leaves you behind because he thinks you're too much of a pompous ass, let me know how it feels.
Better to be hated for what you are, than loved for what you are not.
I enjoy the way TommyTheMadArtist communicates, whether he's talkin' gold or religion, he's rite on point.
Look, Richard, I've extensively investigated this church. At one time I dated a wonderful man who wanted to get married......if only I would convert. No conversion was forthcoming. You are more defensive than objective re: the history of JW's. Don Adams is the current president of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Yes, revision, such as inserting the name Jehovah 237 times in the New Testement, translation of certain texts are also biased to JW practices and doctrines. Richard, you make silly claims that others are "foolish" in their interpretation of the Bible and arrogantly claim that only you and your church are the "true" Christianity. The entire theocratic ogranization within the JW's is to control all aspects of JW's lives, using guilt and manipulation to hold sway over those who question the doctrines. Frankly, I find the entire notion of "disfellowship" over questioning the organization and doctrines patently NON-CHRISTIAN. Yes, "By THEIR fruits you will recognize them." And I do.
How Christian of you to call others "foolish" for daring to disagree with you. Is this arrogance the "fruit" in which we should recognize you Richard? No JW theology? lol.....bovine excrement. Let's not forget the Watchtower Society and its position and structure within the daily lives of all JW's.
You are ignorant and apathetic. Go thou forth and learn something. Start with Wikipedia.
COMRADE! Why are you not showing your Party affiliation and showing proper respect for Dear Leader? Put your Barackstika armband on RIGHT NOW!
Yes, I would suspect that is probably a pretty good analysis of the situation. To that I would add that all of the college classes that were held about economics over the last 60 or so years were just as big of a waste of time, so do not fell lonely about your situation. I could add some more classes in here as well..... or are you unaware of what is actually going on in the world today? You can come in here and tell me all about the theology that is taught in America AFTER you explain to me how that theology has led to homosexuals being permitted into the churches of America. And, to the acceptance of homosexual marriages. Until you can do that, do not bother. When your God leaves you behind because he thinks you're too much of a pompous ass, let me know how it feels. LOL!! I will do that, by all means. However, since your name is probably not written into the book of life, it may be difficult finding you after all of this is over. Reincarnation, indeed!!
1 John 4;8 He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. : Matthew 22:39 ...‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”
Not important. But thanks for the info. For whatever reason. Yes, revision, such as inserting the name Jehovah 237 times in the New Testement, They inserted nothing extra into anything in the text of the Bible. I will accept what the professional translators say about the New World Translation of the Bible over what your opinion is, and I have posted that info before. I suppose you are also going to claim that their restoration of the name of Jehovah into what you call the Old Testament was also a revision, correct? and arrogantly claim that only you and your church are the "true" Christianity. Really? Care to revisit the rest of the posts in this thread and tell me all about how great the 'other' religions have it? Want to discuss the fruitage of different sects and theologies? The bottom line that we are talking about comes right back to fruitage, as in by their fruitage you will know them. And, please do not forget that you are talking to a Jehovah's Witness. You sound just like others in here telling me what a great chance I am taking by DARING to post to such a 4um, cause when the bosses of the Witnesses find out, why, I will be kicked out!! You actually have no clue as to who we are and how we base our worship. No one checks on me; no one says you HAVE to go to this or that meeting, no one demands anything of me; no one asks me for money; no one puts my name on a roll call or any other list. Ever. Frankly, I find the entire notion of "disfellowship" over questioning the organization and doctrines patently NON-CHRISTIAN. And that statement, frankly, is one of the most stupid and unScriptural statements I can remember reading anywhere, anytime. Course, just perhaps you are among those who have welcomed the homosexuals into the churches of America. 1 Corinthians 5:9 In my letter I wrote YOU to quit mixing in company with fornicators, 10 not [meaning] entirely with the fornicators of this world or the greedy persons and extortioners or idolaters. Otherwise, YOU would actually have to get out of the world. 11 But now I am writing YOU to quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man. 12 For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Do YOU not judge those inside, 13 while God judges those outside? “Remove the wicked [man] from among yourselves.” Do you get that? Remove the wicked man from among yourselves. That is not our right; it is our OBLIGATION within the Congregation of Jehovah. And that is the bottom line; this is not OUR Congregation; it belongs to Jehovah God. And that, dear, is the difference between you and me, and the rest of the world, and the Witnesses for Jehovah.
1 John 4;8 He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. : Matthew 22:39 ...‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”
REally? Let us talk about your Catholic theology for just a moment, shall we? In the so-called Old Testament, there are numerous references to the Resurrection. For instance; Isaiah 25:8; Daniel 12:1, 2, 13. In those Scriptures it talks not only about the Resurrection to life here on this earth, but how Almighty God will wipe out death on this earth. We are even told of the resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous, but instead of this, your so-called church teaches that you must grow old and die before you can go to heaven. So you believe that a God of love (1 John 4:8) will let people die forever, rather than bringing back the tree of life; Genesis 2:7; 3:20. Want to explain that to me? Oh, wait, you also believe that the same God of love (1 John 4:8) tortures people forever in a fiery hell! I almost forgot!! Or...... do you, cause the pope has stated that, after 1700 years of teaching such, perhaps they did not have ... it ... quite ... right. Instead, it means being cut off from God forever. As in, destruction, ya know? So go ahead, lecture me about theology, cause ours comes directly from the Bible and nowhere else, as is proved by our fruitage and by the constant study that each of us devotes to the Bible. The Witnesses for Jehovah are growing and growing fast all over the world. Just alone in Mexico, this year, there will be built more than 300 Kingdom Halls. At that same time, the cathoic church will close numberous churches because they do not have enough priests or people attending. Care to continue this?
1 John 4;8 He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. : Matthew 22:39 ...‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”
Tell me something, please, since you obviously think you know more about this than I do; what is the position of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society within the Jehovah's Witnesses? Oh, and please point out the personalities within that Society and how they are used to form our opinions, OK? And, while you are at it, show me some pictures of such, maybe in their limos and/or mansions, OK? Oh, and you gave me the name of the president of the Society (sorry, I already forgot it!), so fill me in on how much he makes each year, OK? Let's get down to brass tacks!!! And, while you are at that, show me how many inroads homosexuals have made into the Society, oh, and boozers, womanizers and smokers as well. I mean, you must have archived such info, right? And while you are looking for such, remember this; we do not seek the glory due to Jehovah God. Never! Nor do we make spectacles out of ourselves, unlike people of the world. And never make the mistake of taking your eye off of the ball; the bottom line here is the fruitage of the Spirit; as I have stated here, and which you choose to ignore, is that I will put the fruitage of the lives and the work of the Witnesses up against any group in the world. Period.
1 John 4;8 He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. : Matthew 22:39 ...‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.”
What makes you think I'm a practicing Catholic? As usual, you're a day late, a dollar short, and still ignorant and apathetic.
COMRADE! Why are you not showing your Party affiliation and showing proper respect for Dear Leader? Put your Barackstika armband on RIGHT NOW!
There is no need to. The Bible itself proves that Sola Scriptura is wrong. Check John 21:25 (the last verse) for details. Limiting yourself to the Bible alone causes you to miss quite a bit. Its a shame you try and put everything in a box because your understanding and ability to comprehend is so shallow.
COMRADE! Why are you not showing your Party affiliation and showing proper respect for Dear Leader? Put your Barackstika armband on RIGHT NOW!
What I find so amusing, is that you are absolutely certain that your name IS written in the book of life. As they say, pride goeth before the fall. You are going to fall, and your supposition that you are already saved, is what will damn you. I've already died once. It was a life changing experience for me. I have absolutely no fear or worries about it, or what is coming in the hereafter where I am concerned. I've got things to do in this world that are far more important than listening to someone who thinks they know it all, and sits in judgement of others, when only GOD can do that. You're a laughable joke to me.
Better to be hated for what you are, than loved for what you are not.
I'll wait and see what happens, and should God show up to welcome me, Great. If not, well then I guess I won't have anything to disappoint me now will I? Who said God would "throw away good people"? And who is the Arbiter of "good"? God, isn't it? Thus He shall judge the destiny of eternal souls. Moreover, Jesus said those who "knew" him would indeed join him in Paradise. Why "wait and see what happens"? By that time it's far too late to affect Judgment. Isn't it the biggest investment you'll ever make - your eternal soul? This isn't exactly akin to waiting to see how your IRA turns out or a verdict on a lawsuit. "Disappointment" come Judgment Day will a gross understatement; Horror will be more like the emotion of realizing at that moment just how simple accepting God's Key to Eternal Life was in this life, while arrogantly expecting "good" (as defined by you or others) was the criteria to Heaven was....nothing more than a Lie. Mere "good" is still dirty in God's eyes which was THE reason for the Sinless Lamb to be sacrificed. I've debated religion with everyone at some point, and I've come to the conclusion that organized religions across the boards are an absolute scam, and a control mechanism. Sure - many organized sects have been run by unscrupulous profiteers and scam artists; But why should that nullify and invalidate the Word of God and His Gospel? Why remain distracted and obsessed by the "conclusion" that your eternal soul lies in the hands of "organized religion" - and corrupt one at that? Only we know what the real reasons are to reject God and his Laws. There is however the matter of "control" - by it's blatant control of a soul by Satan through the subconscious. God and the Holy Spirit will merely guide you. In the end, your fate comes down to your own Free Will.
#63. To: Ferret Mike (#62)
I am not Buddhist, but I like thee teachings and focus, a heck of allot more then that which are the central notions and teachings of a faith like you are into.
#64. To: richard9151 (#63)
you have absolutely no clue as to what the teachings of my faith is
#65. To: richard9151 (#63)
#66. To: mirage (#64)
If this is accurate
#67. To: Ferret Mike (#65)
#68. To: Ferret Mike (#65)
fail to understand Buddhism so bad you couldn't even spell it right.
#69. To: abraxas (#59)
(Edited)
look upon your enemy as your teacher and a blessing because they reveal your own shortcomings.
#70. To: TommyTheMadArtist (#67)
I always believed that if God would throw away good people,
#71. To: richard9151 (#70)
(Edited)
#72. To: richard9151 (#66)
After all, it is much better to listen to men than to Almighty God.
#73. To: abraxas (#17)
This is not surprising. Try and find a Christain who actually lives by the sermon on the mount. Hypocricy is rampant. It's do as I say, not as I do. This land may be filled with sheep, but even the sheep aren't falling for the dogma of hypocricy. Honestly, if this were truly a Christain nation we wouldn't have 37 million people on food stamps or half a million homeless vets on the streets or one million homeless students in our schools.
#74. To: abraxas (#37)
I'll leave you with Timithy, i, 7: God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. : )
#75. To: Lod (#9)
Instead, these individuals have a belief in God but no interest in organized religion, or they believe in a personal God but not in a formal faith tradition.
#76. To: lucysmom (#74)
(Edited)
#77. To: mirage (#72)
So, Jesus is just an Archangel per the Watchtower Society. Odd that.
#78. To: lucysmom, abraxas (#73)
This is not surprising. Try and find a Christain who actually lives by the sermon on the mount.
#79. To: sizzlerguy (#71)
Live for today. Don't rely on anything else after you're dead.
#80. To: christine, Lod (#75)
Instead, these individuals have a belief in God but no interest in organized religion, or they believe in a personal God but not in a formal faith tradition.
#81. To: tom007 (#40)
If one is all powerful, why should "he" care if anyone worships him?
#82. To: richard9151 (#78)
#83. To: richard9151 (#79)
#84. To: richard9151 (#77)
#85. To: abraxas (#82)
I know many JW's. Many are kind and good people. However, one need only scratch the surface of Rutherford to question "the facts" and the "lies of the world" that you speak of. How can you people think that Rutherford was some sort of prophet? Have you forgotten his "fishing" expeditions to lure young girls to have sex? Rutherford has had a history of opposition for Bible scholars. Wasn't the Bible good enough in the first place? Why the need to make revisions?
#86. To: richard9151 (#70)
#87. To: mirage (#84)
You're arguing the Bible, not JW theology. Once you start getting into what the Watchtower Society says, and you will, then you'll start to see what I mean.
#88. To: TommyTheMadArtist (#86)
Zoroastrianism.
#89. To: richard9151 (#88)
#90. To: TommyTheMadArtist (#89)
#91. To: TommyTheMadArtist (#89)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOErZuzZpS8
#92. To: richard9151 (#85)
#93. To: richard9151 (#87)
You are so foolish. There is no JW theology. There is only the Bible. Everything we do, which is why I am a Jehovah's Witnesses, is based ONLY on the Bible. There is no theology.
#94. To: richard9151 (#87)
You are so foolish. There is no JW theology.
#95. To: TommyTheMadArtist (#89)
Wow, I guess my class in theology in college were a complete waste Richard
#96. To: abraxas (#92)
Don Adams is the current president of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.
#97. To: mirage (#94)
You are ignorant and apathetic.
#98. To: abraxas (#93)
No JW theology? lol.....bovine excrement. Let's not forget the Watchtower Society and its position and structure within the daily lives of all JW's.
#99. To: richard9151 (#97)
REally? Let us talk about your Catholic theology for just a moment, shall we?
#100. To: richard9151 (#97)
So go ahead, lecture me about theology, cause ours comes directly from the Bible and nowhere else
#101. To: richard9151 (#95)
#102. To: TommyTheMadArtist (#67)
(Edited)
I always believed that if God would throw away good people, just for not believing in Jesus, then he's not much of a loving God is he?...
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